Jake Gyllenhaal on Picking Roles, Filming in Boston, and Creating Characters (Ep. 265)

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on Mark Titus and Chris Ryan to induct 'Blue Chips' into the Sports Movie Hall of Fame. Topics include: the most ridiculous moments (5:00), Nick Nolte's intense coaching style (14:00), Bob Knight's mystique (19:00), point-shaving scare tactics (23:00), Shaq's final college game (30:00), the player cameos (35:00), rebooting 'Blue Chips' (42:00), post-retirement Larry Bird (47:00), and the best college basketball movies (53:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

21 Mar 201757min

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer to discuss technology's impact of viewing habits (6:00), the Clippers' need for a championship (12:00), the potential of a new Clippers arena (24:30), the Seattle expansion for the NBA (35:00), the NBA boardroom (42:00), understanding the salary cap (54:00), the future of this Clippers core (1:02:00), and the Microsoft scouting report (1:12:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

17 Mar 20171h 16min

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on The Ringer's Mark Titus to discuss Evan Turner's ideal skill set (5:00), LeBron on a mid-major (8:00), Cousin Sal's best bet for the title (16:00), the best rivalry in college hoops (23:00), and Villanova's chance to repeat (28:00). Then, The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor join to give his thoughts on the top NBA prospects in March (37:00), Jayson Tatum vs. Josh Jackson (46:00), Rick Pitino's regrets (53:00), and the need for Gus Johnson (1:03:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

15 Mar 20171h 12min

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on former Grantland teammate Zach Lowe to discuss the Warriors' losing ways (6:00), the only teams to go three years without 20 losses (15:00), Durant on the Warriors (19:00), Jazz-Clippers (25:00), whether this is the last year for Doc Rivers (34:00), whether the Jazz are for real (40:00), All-NBA picks (48:00), are the Spurs smoke and mirrors? (55:00), James Harden's passing ability (1:02:00), and Croatian basketball power rankings (1:10:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

14 Mar 20171h 24min

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on Mike Lombardi and Kevin Clark to discuss NFL free agency, Deshaun Watson's draft fit (7:00), Mike Glennon in Chicago (11:00), the Patriots signing Stephon Gilmore (19:00), Brandin Cooks rumors (26:00), the Romo-coaster (34:00), and which L.A. football team will be the worst (40:00). Then, JackO joins to give his thoughts on Trump's presidency (48:00), Mike Francesa's reunion with Mad Dog (1:04:00), 'SNL' so far this season (1:08:00), and building a women's basketball dynasty at Holy Cross (1:11:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

10 Mar 20171h 20min

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on Joe House to discuss the Wizards' impressive season so far (6:00), the Bradley Beal–Ray Allen comparison (11:00), the best free-agency acquisitions (23:00), Russell Westbrook's ball hogging ways (32:00), OKC's best-case scenario (39:00), and Westbrook chasing stats vs. wins (46:00). Then, NHL All-Star P.K. Subban joins to give his thoughts on the Bruins-Canadiens rivalry (57:00), his ability to be the NHL commissioner (1:05:00), hockey's concussion protocol (1:20:00), and Connor McDavid's skill set (1:25:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

9 Mar 20171h 30min

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on Celtics All-Star Isaiah Thomas to discuss his recent success (02:00), dealing with larger players' physicality (05:00), the polarizing Marcus Smart (14:00), his favorite NBA teams (16:30), the best players from Washington state (19:00), All-Star Weekend (25:30), meeting Tom Brady (29:00), Floyd Mayweather's fandom (32:00), Iverson comparisons (38:00), and the Celtics' title chances (46:00). Then, Ringer writer Shea Serrano joins to give his thoughts on 'John Wick: Chapter 2' (57:00), who owns the action hero championship belt (1:12:00), and Keanu Reeves's next chapter (1:17:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

6 Mar 20171h 23min

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons sits down with Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton to discuss growing up in the Boston Garden (2:00), his father's reaction to Luke's getting a head coaching job with the Lakers (10:00), his rookie season with teammates Shaq, Kobe, Karl Malone, and Gary Payton (12:30), the chemistry of last year's Golden State Warriors (16:30), working with Magic Johnson (40:00), what he learned from Phil Jackson (52:00), and his 20-year, friendly rivalry with Richard Jefferson (59:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

3 Mar 20171h 8min